toux grasse
A chesty cough in French is toux grasse.
The term toux grasse is used to describe a cough that produces phlegm or mucus from the lungs. To express that you are suffering from this condition, you use the verb avoir (to have) in the phrase avoir une toux grasse.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase toux grasse, the adjective grasse literally means fatty or greasy, which describes the thick and viscous nature of the mucus produced.
Which one should you use?
The term toux grasse is the opposite of toux sèche, which refers to a dry, non-productive cough.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Canada, a chesty cough may be described as toux de poitrine.
Did you know?
- The word toux shares an ancient root with the English word 'dust' through the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to push or hit'.
- The adjective grasse used here is a common metaphorical way in French to describe something that is thick, heavy, or full, moving beyond its literal meaning of 'containing fat'.
- While toux grasse is standard, the expression toux de poitrine used in Canada mirrors the English 'chest cough' more closely than the European French term.
Examples in context
- J'ai une toux grasse depuis quelques jours.I have had a chesty cough for a few days.
- Mon enfant a une toux productive.My child has a productive cough.
- J'ai une toux avec des glaires depuis quelques semaines.I have had a cough with mucus for a few weeks.
- J'ai une toux grasse depuis hier.I have had a chesty cough since yesterday.
- Cette toux grasse est vraiment fatigante.This chesty cough is really tiring.
- Il semble avoir une mauvaise toux grasse.He seems to have a bad chesty cough.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are talking at home about Gabriel's health.
- GabrielEmma, je ne me sens pas très bien.Emma, I don't feel very well.
- EmmaTu as une toux grasse aussi ?Do you have a chesty cough too?
- GabrielOui, et j'ai un peu de fièvre.Yes, and I have a bit of a fever.
- EmmaTu devrais aller voir un médecin.You should go see a doctor.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
